While the MPA is already in service with the Japanese Navy, the YCX is nearing the end of its development phase with an unspecified number of orders received from the Japanese Air Force.

Hideki Yamaoka, Project Manager, Advanced Aircraft Export Project division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., told defenseworld.net that the P-1 is has been designed as a dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) maritime patrol aircraft. It is especially suited to low-altitude ASW with its large wings and spacious fuselage.

The P-1 is the successor to the Japanese Navy's P-3C Orion aircraft and contributes to various Japanese wide-area maritime defence in an array of missions.

The YCX on the other hand bridges the gap between the C-130 and C-17 in terms of heavy lift capability. It offers high-speed, high-altitude cruise capability for air route operation.

The aircraft is being offered in foreign markets as a lower priced alternative to US and European planes.

Japan has signed an accord to supply defense equipment and technology to Philippines alarmed by Chinese actions in South China Sea.
This is the first such Japanese defense pact in the region where the US allies...